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Have a happy HallowGREEN!

This Halloween can be less scary for the environment when you make a few simple changes to your spooky traditions.

Halloween gear is often used only once before being tossed. Here are a few earth-friendlier options:

• New Halloween costumes are fabulous because they’re on trend and ready to wear. On September 1, why not donate these gems to friends with younger children for next year. They also make great clothes for everyday dress-up!

• You can also spruce a homemade costume up with brand new accessories. A witch with sparkly makeup, a brand new wand and broomstick is a very happy witch!

• Get creative and put together a costume with items that you can reuse when Halloween’s over. This could be the opportunity to buy that great striped sweater for fall that you can use to dress up as Freddy Krueger!

• Celebrate National Costume Swap Day on October 8 by attending one of the many swap locations across Canada. Or why not host your own private swap? Tip: Pick up Halloween makeup items to give out as party favours for your guests!

Eco-Haunted House

Here’s how to keep holiday decor creepy without scaring the environment.

• Turn off all the house lights and light your porch or walkway with lots of candles. Candlelight indoors will also add to the ambience and spooky decor while saving energy. Tip: Put tea lights in tall glass vases or containers to keep them flickering in those cold autumn winds.

• Support your community of produce growers by picking your pumpkins from a local farm or farmers’ market. Make it a day trip with the kids and let everyone in the family choose the pumpkin that they like best. Tip: Shop for fun accessories to give pumpkins a personality punch, like a bow tie, fake moustache or even a pair of specs!

• When Halloween’s over, remember to compost those jack-o’-lanterns. Instead of throwing away those scrumptious pumpkin seeds, you can clean, season and roast them in the oven on baking trays for a healthy and delicious snack.

• If you’re hosting a grown-up get-together, you can create a chic Halloween theme by setting a sophisticated table that still screams fun. Mix black, white and orange accessories – black tablecloth, white plates, orange placemats and linens – to evoke the spirit of the season. Look for various spooky tabletop items to add to the theme, like a small ceramic black cat or raven and spider-shaped wine glass tags! Tip: Add orange roses in black-and-white patterned vases for instant elegance.

Trick-or-Treat Tips

There are plenty of ways to make this tradition a little more earth- and health-friendly. Remember, a treat is a treat, so challenge yourself to find ways to cut down on the sugar and candy wrappers!

• A reusable trick-or-treat bag is a must. There are loads of environmentally friendly options on the market. Why not get creative and let your kids create their own designs with paint or iron-on patches on a simple monochromatic sack?

• Taking squeeze or shake flashlights on the trick-or-treat route is a great eco-alternative to using battery-powered versions. Look for choices in cool shapes and styles that can complement your child’s costume.

• Have a Halloween party for both kids and grown-ups. Plan ghostly games with prizes, spooky crafts and activities to keep kids in the seasonal spirit. Don’t forget to keep it green by sending out invites printed on recycled paper. Party tip: Carry the theme into the bathroom with spooky soaps to thrill your guests!